Herpes is a contagious infection characterized by blisters filled with fluid in certain areas of the skin. There are two types of herpes that are commonly experienced, namely herpes zoster and herpes simplex. Know the causes of herpes and its symptoms.
Herpes can be experienced by anyone who has direct contact with an infected person. What causes herpes and its symptoms, and can it be treated? Here’s more information.
Causes of Herpes
Starting from skin contact to sexual contact, here are the various causes of herpes based on the type:
1.HSV-1
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or HSV-1 is caused by transmission through mouth to mouth contact or called oral herpes, for example oral sex or kissing. However, in some cases, this type can develop into genital herpes.
2.HSV-2
The cause of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 or HSV-2 is direct contact with saliva, herpes sores, or other body fluids, for example oral sex, kissing, having sex, sharing sex toys, or skin contact at the site of infection.
3. Shingles
Herpes zoster is caused by the transmission of the Varicella Zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of shingles, such as stress, a weak immune system and aging.
Herpes Risk Factors
Herpes can be experienced by adults to children, except for HSV-2 which is at risk for people who are sexually active. There are several factors that increase the risk of HSV-1 and HSV-2, namely:
- Female gender.
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Have a sexually transmitted disease.
- Weak resistance.
- Having sex at a young age.
In addition, there are several factors that increase the risk of shingles, namely:
- Direct contact with a person infected with chickenpox.
- Children under 12 years old.
- Weak immune system.
Symptoms of Herpes
Although the symptoms vary according to the type, there are general symptoms of herpes that you need to know, namely:
- Fever.
- The rash is accompanied by red bumps.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Chills.
- Pain, tingling and itching in the joints.
- Lenting is runny and becomes dry crust.
- Sensitivity to light.
Handling Herpes
Handling herpes aims to prevent transmission and reduce symptoms. Here are some of the herpes treatments given:
- Take pain relievers.
- Compress cold water or warm water on the skin area affected by herpes.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Wear cotton clothes.
- Keep the injured area clean.
In addition, for optimal treatment, the doctor may prescribe drugs, namely:
- Famciclovir.
- Acyclovir.
- Valacyclovir.
Pregnant women who are infected with herpes must carry out periodic checks to prevent transmission to the baby during the delivery process.
Herpes Prevention
There are various ways you can do so that you or your loved ones can avoid herpes, namely:
- No kissing or oral sex if there are sores around your or your partner’s mouth.
- Always use protection when having sex.
- Do not have multiple sexual partners.
- Examination of sexually transmitted infections routinely to the doctor, especially people who change sexual partners.
- Ensure oral hygiene.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water.
- Make sure the baby is not touched or kissed by strangers.
- Infected parents should not kiss the baby, even need to keep a distance from the baby.
